Macao’s Government Headquarters will open its doors to the public this weekend from 9 am to 6 pm each day. Floral displays themed around the upcoming 15th National Games are taking centre stage, while local bands provide live music, the Government Information Bureau has said.
The annual Open Day allows visitors to explore one of the city’s most recognisable heritage buildings, located on Avenida da Praia Grande. Attendees will be greeted by the Games’ mascots before following a set route through the Multi-purpose Room and Lotus Room on the ground floor before heading upstairs to view the Grand Hall, Green Hall, Yellow Hall, and Blue Hall.
A photo exhibition titled Festivals, Sports and Arts Events of Macao will be shown in the Multi-purpose Room.
This year’s floral display was inspired by the National Games’ symbols and colours, with more than 20 varieties of flowers and plants – including the ping pong chrysanthemum as the signature bloom – arranged across various areas. The Games’ three co-host cities, Guangzhou, Hong Kong and Macao, are represented by cotton trees, bauhinia and lotus plants, respectively.
[See more: Five things you may not know about Macao’s Government Headquarters]
Live performances will take place throughout the weekend, including appearances by the Public Security Police Force Band, as well as music and dance presentations from the Macao Conservatory.
The Macao Post and Telecommunications Bureau will also operate a temporary postal counter near Nam Van Lake, offering commemorative postmarks and related souvenirs.
Special traffic arrangements will be in place on Travessa do Paiva, and visitors are advised to follow police instructions and observe safety guidelines. In case of bad weather, on-site staff will issue instructions. Visitors are reminded that they are not allowed to bring selfie sticks, umbrellas, drinks, food or pets onto the premises.
The Pink Palace was built in Portuguese Pombaline style on Avenida da Praia Grande in 1849, as a private home for a wealthy trader. A few decades later, Macao’s Portuguese administration purchased the building to serve as the governor’s residence. Following Macao’s 1999 return to China, it became known as the Government Headquarters Protocol Palace.
More information can be found here, or check the Macao Chief Executive’s Office mobile app for updates.
